Namaste. I am chotu, your friendly shopboy. I make ordering from your shop simple on WhatsApp.
What does chotu do?
Customers can see your full product list online (like Amazon/Flipkart). They can add to cart and place order with you directly on WhatsApp.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data.
chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one MAJOR difference:
With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Do customers need to download chotu?
No. They can order with you by clicking on your shop link or scanning your QR code. However, reordering is 10X easier on chotu app.
So, there are two apps?
Yes, the red chotu app is for buyers, golden chotu Owner app is for you, the shopkeeper. You can install both if you want.
How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Please install chotu Owner app and create your shop, it takes just 2 seconds to have your WhatsApp shop.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How much does chotu cost?
The basic shop is free forever. However, VIP Pass starts from ₹5/day. You rank higher, you can edit your catalog to your liking, add prices etc., There is NO commission on your orders, customers pay you directly.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.
Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
Ask customer to pick up
Send through your boy/helper
Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.
Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
Promoting is very easy from the “Promote” tab in chotu Owner app.
Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
Higher ranking in customer searches
Ability to edit your shop catalog completely. You can add new products too.
You can add prices for every product too
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with your shop easy. Like, UPI did for payments.
